? The Cats' shaky transition defense reared its ugly head again Saturday at Mississippi State, where UK gave up far too many easy layups. They were outscored 18-4 in transition a week earlier at Missouri. Auburn's talented guards will almost certainly try to exploit that tonight. "We've been working on it for quite a while," assistant coach Kenny Payne said, adding the staff must "continue to remind them of how important it is, because every team seems to be using that as a disadvantage for us. That's a weakness of our team that we've got to correct."

Hood had played in just seven games for a total of 23 minutes before logging 13 minutes - and nailing a 3-pointer to go with a pair of rebounds - Saturday at MSU. "I would say Jon Hood has been one of our most prominent leaders, best leaders," Payne said. "He's one of the most energetic guys in practice, totally positive, comes in every day and works his tail off. And when he got his opportunity, he took advantage of it and played really well." So does Hood think this means more chances are coming his way? "If guys play good and play with energy then ? No, I really don't. I have no idea. I was going to try to make it sound like I did. We'll see. Only Coach knows."